What Really Happened To…Bruiser Brody

Mantell was less diplomatic. He believed that the Puerto Rican workers were unwilling to translate the desperate cries of the American imports, and that when González’s Invaders tag team partner Roberto Soto eventually did, the policemen chose not to accept the Americans’ version of events. They “smiled” amongst themselves, refusing to buy into the work. Despite frantic protests to the contrary, they remained unmoved. To Mantell, “these cops grew up watching Carlos [Colón, the promoter] and Invader so, to them, they were big stars and they, just ordinary policemen”.

González was allowed to walk away from the scene, and Brody was left there to die.

Brody was one of wrestling’s most practised and celebrated bloodletters. The aspirin in his system facilitated the iconic images of his crimson-soaked face and, ultimately, his death. Brody bled out, hardly helped by the primitive medical facilities.

The subsequent trial exonerated González. Mantell, nor any other willing witnesses, received their summons to testify until after the trial’s conclusion. Mired in corruption and cover-up by a Puerto Rican justice system Mantell referred to as “weak”, González literally got away with murder, citing self-defence. In a grim but not altogether shocking turn of events, González continued to work Puerto Rico, as a babyface, in the ensuing years.

But, in a strange parallel between murderer and victim, this harrowing story diminished the popularity of pro wrestling in the unincorporated territory.

Brody’s death rippled throughout history. So, too, did his life’s work.

We know of his influence over Brock Lesnar, direct or otherwise. Similarly, The Road Warriors grew to immense wrestling fame by refusing to sell the offence of their opponents. That was a Brody trademark. In New Japan Pro Wrestling, Togi Makabe carries a heavy chain to the ring, much like Brody did in his native country. Luke Harper cosplays as Brody on SmackDown. Indie rock outfit the Mountain Goats immortalised the man in the song ‘Stabbed to Death Outside San Juan’.

“When the blade hits the bone, everybody hears it sing / Shower room full of people, no-one hears a godd*mned thing”.

Bruiser Brody was murdered in an infamously grisly chapter of wrestling’s infamously grisly story, but his legacy lives - and will always live - on.